mama's night out clutch

Last night I went out with a bunch of mama's from Oscar's playgroup. And I realized beforehand that I don't have any bags that aren't a diaper bag, tote bag, or something else large enough to accommodate sippy cups and goldfish crackers.

It was a quick (like during nap time quick) and easy project - my favorite kind! The only change I made was to pleat the bottom of the bag instead of gathering it, because my lining fabric was too thick and refused to be gathered.

It is a wee bag that will only hold the essentials, but it was such a relief to not lug a big bag out the door! I think I like it as a clutch and love it as a make-up bag. I'm going to try again with something of my own design, longer, maybe narrower, and this time I think I'll cut my fabric more thoughtfully so the pattern lines up nicely (duh).

In a bit of non-craft business, can I just rave about Santa Barbara for a moment? Oscar and I were at the park today when I spotted a little meadow, chock-full of yellow daisies. It spoke to me. It said, "come over here and frolic and take pictures of your adorable son!" So I did, and it was kind of great.

And then on the drive home, I saw the strawberry van that is always parked on the side of the road with a sign that says, "Picked Today!" and couldn't pass it up. I really like living in the center of the strawberry-growing universe.

Freeway daisies, that's what the locals call them.Oh how I miss Santa Barbara, I have family there...sigh.Have you made it over to the courthouse yet?Have you checked out the Sunday beach show? I know we are of the same faith and Sunday shopping is frowned upon, but you could take a nice stroll.My cousin has a booth in the middle, he sells beautiful photo's of all the lovely sights.And Solvang, have been there yet? Oh the bakeries.Well Jill, I'll go now and dry my eyes and blow my nose, it was good to see a little glimpse of the place that I love so.

I haven't visited your blog in a little while and now I see you are expecting a precious girl. Congratulations Jill!! How wonderful, I am happy for you. Your maternity shirt re-dos are fabulous. If I get to have one more, I'd love to refashion some shirts like you did.Nice little clutch, and I'm looking forward to the play kitchen.

OK first off, your clutch is adorable! Love it. & I can't stand that you have fields of beautiful yellow daisy's. Oh my word that is an incredible spot to frolic and take loads of photo's. Strawberries YUM! I can't wait for Spring to Spring in NJ.

I grew up in Carpinteria. A few years ago we took a trip up the coast with our last two daughters and we all fell (re-fell) in love with Santa Barbara. What a beautiful place. I'm so glad you appreciate where you live. (From Linda in the brown, brown DESERT of Nevada.) Love, love your cute little tote and all the fun things you make.

that's just mean.but i love your clutch.but you are still mean to post pictures of beautiful fields and strawberries while i still have snow and brown all around. oh well that's what i get for moving away from southern cal. enjoy it! ;)

I absolutely LOVE this clutch! It is perfect! I am jealous of your delicious fresh picked strawberries!!! My mouth is watering! Every time we are in Cali we make a point to find one of those "vans with fresh fruit" and we are in Heaven! We did the same thing when we went to Hawaii! There is nothing better than fresh fruit!

I tried to make the bag! I am a beginner sewer and my seams are uneven and the inside looks terrible... but if you squint your eyes and look at it from 5 feet away it looks perfect! lolI am quite proud of it even tho it's not perfect. Thanks for the link to the tutorial!!!